Belize is SO Different: And Here’s Why…

I was just reading an article talking about Caribbean vacation destinations and it states: Another major problem…is that the islands mostly offer the same thing, so they simply take tourists from one another. Today the Cayman Islands is a hot destination, siphoning off high-end tourists from Barbados and Bahamas.

And tourists travelling on a budget (my category) often search for cheap tickets and go from there

But you don’t just pick Belize based on a cheap ticket. Though TICKETS this coming season…fall and winter…are as low as I’ve seen them in 10 years.

Belize is different. WAY DIFFERENT. Sure, we are technically a Caribbean vacation destination. Well…partly. But it is SO MUCH more. We’ve got beaches and tiny sand cayes, we have gorgeous blue water and sunny, warm temperatures. But here are some reasons why I think Belize is not part of that interchangeable “Caribbean island mix”.

Here we go:

1. Most Obviously – Belize is Not An Island

But maybe not so obvious. I’m the first to admit that I didn’t know EXACTLY where Belize was until about 10 years ago…and when my friend came here for her honeymoon, the photos showed a Caribbean island – snorkeling, sunning, dancing. Ambergris Caye. I can understand why many are confused.

Most visitors arrive by sea or vacation by the sea to enjoy the famous barrier reef and some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world.

But as you can see, we’ve got neighbors and borders – Mexico, Guatemala…so clearly not an island.

2. The Barrier Reef

That barrier reef system that I just glossed over in #1 is spectacular. It’s the longest in this hemisphere and is home to the famous Shark/Ray Alley, THE BLUE HOLE…

Because of the barrier reef, Belize has expansive shallow flats for fly-fishing…the reef areas which are home to snapper and groupers and tons of other fish…and deep waters. For those who like deep sea fishing. Fisherpeople? You can do it all in one week.

Belize is not the land of the “all inclusive vacation” – where the staff disappears out the gates at the end of the day and you are left in a sea of people…much like you. We are a small country – only about 330,000, English is the national language and the people here are just ridiculously warm and friendly.

And it doesn’t take long to realize that Belizean can mean many things. The country is made up of Garifuna, Maya, Creole, Mennonite, Mestizo, Central American, East Indian, Expat (are we a cultural group?)…

YES! Look at these super cute kids on Culture Day at a San Pedro nursery school. Can you spot the Expat culture? The white socks and sandals are hilarious.

…an awesome mix of cultures that bring us (amongst other things)…

5. GREAT FOOD

I’ve always liked good food (and was exposed to it FOR SURE living in London and in NYC) but I don’t think it became my #1 Hobby until I arrived in Belize. That blend of cultures makes for some amazingly good eats.

From the street food (here are some of my favorite picks for cheap foods on Ambergris Caye) to a gorgeous maple bacon ice cream cone at the Ice Cream Shoppe in San Ignacio to fine dining (think Lobster Bread Pudding at Maya Beach Bistro in Maya Beach, Placencia).

To fresh conch ceviche…to lobster meat pies…to coconut scented rice & beans…I could go on. In towns like San Pedro or San Ignacio, you can try a delicious new restaurant every night of the week.

6. The History and The Maya Culture

About 1000 years ago, the population of Belize is estimated to have been about 1 million people. The Maya. Who farmed the land, traveled hundreds, if not thousands, of miles and built great cities.

Belize is practically covered with Maya sites. Some uncovered, many still waiting to be excavated.

And in Belize, you can be hands on. You can climb the tallest temple or you can go deep into a cave to see a sacred burial site…

7. The Cave Systems

About 1/3 of the mainland of Belize is blanketed by the Maya Mountains.

Small in mountain-terms (Doyle’s Delight, the tallest is just over 3600 feet high) but amazing when you think of what is beneath it. A giant cave system. Some dry caves, most with fresh water running through them. You can gentle glide on an inner tube – half in light, half in darkness – for a few hours…

…or trek deep into the ATM Cave to visit the Crystal Maiden – the remains of a Maya sacrifice.

And there are many many MANY more. You can get as daring as you like.

8. The Holidays and The Festivals

Even as an 8 year full time resident of Belize, I do not take this one for granted. Belize loves a celebration and…so do I. Here’s a list of most of the events but I’m sure there are more that I am missing.

Kids Drumming at Punta Gorda’s Chocolate Festival

It just ensures that any time you visit, there is something special going on.

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Wicked post Scoop. I was at the all-inclusive hotel scene in Mexico recently, it’s way different. In Belize nothing feels rushed, you actually get closer to the culture and can experience a truly unique variety of everything from food to geography and because of the population, most of it feels secluded like Hopkins and South Water Caye. If only restaurants and bars would be open 24/7 it would be perfect.

Belize Blog

Thank you very much. And yes, totally…the feel like you are doing something really special when you are at the ATM cave or kayaking or even snorkeling Hol Chan with a big group and a turtle goes by. Never feels like the same-old-same old vacation. Thanks bud.

Michelle Kosin Jesus

We picked San Pedro 11 years ago because none of us going on that trip liked cruises or all-inclusives. Don’t get me wrong, they have their perks with the all you can eat/drink included, but to me I feel like those vacations make me a tourist and I rather be a traveler. I want to get to know the locals and visit the places they like. Belize was perfect for that. And I cannot wait to make it my home one day.

Belize Blog

Yes! Exactly. I picked it for the same reason. I felt easy and comfortable here…and that was the people. It took me a few years to see more of the country and realize what an incredibly diverse, unique, awesome country it is…

Great post! You did an excellent job of highlighting Belize’s unique attractiveness. It truly is an amazing and multi-faceted country. I realize that even more from reading your blog for the past couple of years than I did when we lived there!

Belize Blog

Thanks Emily…that means a lot 🙂

peter nolan

Rebecca what a joy to read your version of our lovely Belize my wife and I enjoyed this round robin view on this rainy day here on ambergris caye. Keep them coming .

Belize Blog

We should have known it’s going to rain…Costa Maya is coming! But of course I got caught out there with no umbrella or jacket. Sigh…August in Belize.

FJL

I’m on a 24 hr hold for my 4th trip to the island in February at a nice price, but the fairs are jumping all over the place. Just missed on a ridiculously low one 4 days ago. Now its an airbnb decision fast or an old standby I’ve stayed at before. Always good though 😉

Belize Blog

The fares are so crazy right now…even though i AM in Belize it makes me want to take advantage. Fly to Boston for the weekend – $300!

ANJI

Just when I think I can’t love Belize any more than I already do, you will write something that inspires me all over again! Thanx so much!

SPmQQse

another …very good write.

Wendy Boothroyd

have just spent 6 weeks here. Read your blog everyday. This may have been your best! Thank you. 25 years later I feel the same way.

Margaret West

Love reading your blog! Is there tubing on Ambergris Caye?

Jim

yes, at the Palapa Bar. :>) Really the highest elevation is about 8 ft. above sea level. There are no fast running streams or rivers, You can tube on the ocean though.

Margaret West

Thanks for getting back to me. If you tube in the ocean can you get carried away? :-). Or ae you tethered?

Jim

At the Palapa you would be tethered I believe but that is more to keep you in a certain area. There are no bad currents and such on the Island shore. The prevailing wind (Trade winds) are from the East so normally you would get blown back to shore not out to sea. Out by the reef there are currents so that may not be so. I think there is or use to be someone who pulled tourist around on a tube like toy with a boat but I really don’t know much about that. If you like tubing you would probably love snorkeling out at Ho Chan. That is really an experience every tourist should experience. Even if you have never snorkeled you will love it and the guides are very good.

Margaret West

Thanks so much! It is on our list. Is Homes Chan in San pedro?

Jim

Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Many guides offer to take you there for 1/2 day or maybe a full day trip. It is a 15-20 minute boat ride from San Pedro. IT IS A MUST SEE. I’ve taken people there who have NEVER been snorkeling and really could swim that great and they had a very good time. They claim it was there most memorable. The guides will supply everything if you have no gear. Just inform the guides of your ability so they can keep an eye on you if necessary. I’m a diver (or was) and now I just snorkel so if I have someone of limited ability I swim with them and sometimes even hold there hand to reassure them. Do not go on a windy day especially if there are weak swimmers in the group. http://www.holchanbelize.org/

SPmQQse

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SPmQQse

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About Me

My name’s Rebecca and over TEN years ago (!) I moved from Manhattan, NYC (where I worked as a bond trader at Lehman Brothers) to San Pedro, Belize. Holy crap, what a change. I spent a full year deciding if Belize was right for me, over 3 years managing a sometimes gritty bar & restaurant and now over 3 years travelling, living and writing this blog. As you can imagine, I’ve seen the good, awesome, bad and the ugly (though not often). I’ve got lots to say and so here’s my website and my daily blog.

I originally set out to show you all sides of life on the island of Ambergris Caye and now it’s time to expand to the amazing country of Belize. So much to see in one tiny country.

For more information on how and why I moved here, an estimate of how much it costs to live in San Pedro and advice about packing and planning, check out my post series about my expat life.

Other Belize Sites I Read

As always, feel free to contact me with any and all questions you have. Feedback (positive is always preferred but not absolutely mandatory) is also welcome. It’s VERY helpful to me if you try to answer your own question by searching my site. Also, I can NOT find you a job. Honestly…I can’t. I would if I could.

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